Third Amakusa Reihoku Literary Walk: Tourism Route Workshop to Be Held! We will hold the third Amakusa Reihoku Literary Walk tourism route creation workshop. On Thursday, September 25, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association, we will host the third Amakusa Reihoku Literary Walk tourism route creation workshop. This session will focus more on “literature,” uncovering stories while weaving in the history of Reihoku to create a fun guide manual. It’s perfectly fine to join for the first time, so anyone interested in literature, history, tour guiding, or community development is encouraged to participate. Date and Time: Thursday, September 25, 2:00 PM–4:00 PM Venue: Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association, 2nd floor (4535-1 Kozufukae, Reihoku, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture) 👉Apply via the notice section on the official Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association website! Application Deadline: Monday, September 22 Contact: Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association (General Incorporated Association), Ogata ☎0969-31-1136 This workshop is organized under the FY2025 Kumamoto Future Creation Startup Grant program.

#013 According to the calendar it’s already autumn! 🍂 But it’s still hot and humid. Introducing the “Saroma Great Harvest Festival,” planned to be held in Saroma, Hokkaido, a sister city of Tsunocho! First, let us explain that our town, Tsunocho, is home to a tire test course operated by TOYO TIRE Corporation. That test course exists in both Tsunocho and Saroma, Hokkaido. According to what we heard, summer tires are tested in Tsunocho and winter tires in Saroma, and then they become commercial products. This TOYO TIRE test course is what linked Tsunocho and Saroma as sister cities. [Saroma Great Harvest Festival] This harvest festival gives thanks for the year’s bounty and lets visitors enjoy seafood and mountain produce, including a direct sale of farmed scallops from Lake Saroma and special-price meat sales. There is a grand lottery with a total prize pool of 1,000,000 yen and stage events by well-known artists, drawing about 10,000 visitors each year. Date: Sunday, October 5, 2025 Location: Toyo Tire Saroma Test Course Our town, Tsunocho, will also have a booth at this event. We’ll be grilling local free-range chicken, its charcoal aroma whetting your appetite—come and enjoy! *We had no photos. Sorry (´;ω;｀)*

📢 "Miyazaki no Kagura" National Noh Theater performance Katsura Kagura Held in On October 29, 2025 (Water), we will Held in a performance of Katsura Kagura, a traditional performing art that has been passed down to Morotsuka Village, at the National Noh Theater (Katsura Sendagaya, Tokyo). Kagura is Dedication with prayers to the gods. Please take this opportunity to experience the mysterious world of dance and sound. 📅 Outline of the performance ・Date: Water, October 29, 2025 ・Opening: 12:30 / Start: 13:30 (~17:40) ・Venue: National Noh Theater (4-18-1 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo) ・ Admission fee: Free (* Advance application required * If there are many applications, a lottery will be held) 📖program 1️⃣ Keynote speech (approx. 30 minutes) 2️⃣ Katsura Kagura performance (about 3 hours) 📝 How to apply ・Application period: August 14, 2025 (Thursday) ~ October 6, 2025 (Monday) ・Notification of lottery results: Scheduled to be shipped around Friday, October 17, 2025 📞 Inquiries "Miyazaki no Kagura National Noh Theater Performance" Secretariat TEL: 0985-22-1122 (Mon-Fri) 10 a.m. ~ 5 p.m. (except Holidays) 🔍 What is Katsura Kagura? Katsura Kagura is a kagura that has been handed down to the Katsura Village in Miyazaki Prefecture and has been passed down as a dedication to Katsura Masa Yawata Shrine. The shrine is said to have been solicited from the Kanto region during the Northern and Southern Dynasties, and has a mysterious history and tradition that has been passed down to the present day. ⛩️ Timing of Dedication ・ Dai Kagura (Night Kagura) is Dedication irregularly during the relocation of the palace, temple renovation, wish fulfillment, etc. ・ Normally, "Kagura Sanban" is dedicated at the Annual Grand Festival in Spring and Autumn.

Hakusan Valley ❚ Oita Bungoono Geopark Geosite Hakusan Valley is a clear stream selected among Japan’s Top 100 Waters, and it is also known for the mass emergence of fireflies around June. Along the river you can see columnar joints from the Aso pyroclastic flow, creating a varied and dramatic landscape. The area is also home to Inazumi Submerged Limestone Cave, a popular tourist attraction. Location: Along the Nakatsu Bure River between Mie Town and Kiyokawa-cho in Bungoono City The river’s official name is Nakatsu Bure River, but in the Hakusan area it is affectionately called the Hakusan River. ■■■ Access to central Bungoono City ■■■ About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Tourism and recommended spots in Kyushu, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Kawakami Gorge Kawakami Gorge in Ogata-machi, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture sits at the uppermost reaches of the Okudake River. It stays cool in summer and offers beautiful autumn foliage in fall. A walk along the gorge lets you enjoy its rich natural forest. The riverbed is slippery, so please be careful. Location: Ohedaira Mine, Ogata-machi, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■Access to central Bungoono City■■■ About a three-hour drive from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About a two-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

★ ☆★ Notice ★ of Gyaana Festival 2025 Held in☆ ★ That hot "festival" that colors the end of summer in Morozuka is back... \「Gyaana Festival 2025~Festival~」/ Held in this year on Saturday, September 13th! 📅 Date & Time: September 13 (Sat) 16:00~20:00 (tentative) 📍 Venue: Morotsuka Village Sports Park Yuyu Playland Baseball Stadium 💰 Admission Ticket Free [Field Contents] ・Morotsuka Gourmet Food Court ・ Good catch of this fish * If you want to participate in fish catching, please bring a bag, cooler, etc. Please bring your own. [Program] ・Local entertainment show ・Performances by elementary and junior high school students in the Village ・Kamen Tatsuo Stage ・ Large lottery ・Fireworks 👘 Privileges are available for those who come in yukata and kimono! 🎟️ One lottery ticket will be distributed to each person at the reception on the day. 🌦️ Light rain was decided. In the event of stormy weather, it will be Held in on a reduced scale at the "Central Community Center". 🌀 If a typhoon is expected, it may be canceled. The final fireworks are very impressive to see up close from the 🎆 venue Let's have fun at the end of summer with a smile on our faces 😊. "Gyaana" means "energetic" in the Morotsuka dialect!

Tongjun Bridge in Yamato Town, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture If the timing is right, you can see the place where it is released Water is a masterpiece The area around the bridge is also spacious, rich and quaint

The 2nd “Amakusa Reihoku Literary Stroll” sightseeing route creation workshop was held🎊 Last week on August 21, the second workshop was held in Reihoku to develop a sightseeing walking route so visitors can enjoy the town’s literary spots and heritage as new tourism resources✨ Held with the aim of revitalizing tourism “together with local people,” the second session proved a rich time in which the more we dug, the more literary treasures of Reihoku we uncovered👏 In particular, participants were treated to a carefully delivered, realistic walking-tour-style guided explanation by Mr. Kanzaki, the president of the Guides Association, who projected images as he spoke. This gave everyone a renewed understanding of the local area and created a lively atmosphere♪ The next workshop, the third session, is scheduled for Thursday, September 25 from 2:00 to 3:00 PM‼ We plan an enjoyable workshop full of activities that delve more deeply into literature and the history of Reihoku, so please join us👀 *We will open recruitment for participants on our website in early September.* We are also collecting ideas and insider information from those who cannot attend the workshops to help shape the walking route. Please take part in our survey via the announcements section on our website! Contact: Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association (General Incorporated Association), Ogata ☎ 0969-31-1136 *This workshop is being held as part of the Kumamoto Future Creation Startup Subsidy Project for fiscal year Reiwa 7.*

On August 24, 2025, the Suga-o Stone Buddha Fire Festival took place in Mie-machi, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. At the “Rooster Crow Imitation Contest,” inspired by a local legend, participants imitated rooster calls in their own styles, filling the venue with smiles. On stage, the bold drumming of Toyukai and the dances of Matsuo Kagura were performed. In the latter half of the festival, a torch-throwing event called “Taima-nage” took place, in which flaming torches were thrown from below into a roughly 3-meter-high pine pillar to ignite it, and many children gave it a try. ■■■ Access to central Bungoono City ■■■ About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Summer Memories of Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture On August 14, the Kodai Torch Fire Festival took place in Ogata Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. At 7:30 p.m., torches were lit all at once, and the lights of the torches prepared by the local community rose up in a dreamlike display across the area around Harajiri Falls and the Ogata rice fields. Flame sculptures made from torches that depict torii gates and stone bridges are also beautiful. Upstream from Harajiri Falls stands the stone Harajiri Bridge, and the sight of torches glowing on the stone bridge is very beautiful. ■■■ Access to central Bungoono City ■■■ About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Tourism and recommended spots in Kyushu, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Shinda Falls Shinda Falls in Kyushu’s Oita Prefecture, located in Bungoono City, consists of the male waterfall on the main stream of the Ono River and the female waterfall on the Hirai River, a tributary. The male waterfall is about 100 meters wide and 20 meters high. The site is also famous for a visit by the Muromachi-period painter Sesshū, who created a work titled “Chinden Waterfall Painting” here. ■■■ Access to central Bungoono City ■■■ About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Tourism and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

📢 August 25 (Mon) 10:00〜 \ Himuka no Kuni "Enpaku" reservation acceptance starts! ／ 🌲 Morotsuka Village is planning to held in two experience programs to interact with Nature! (1) Only one in the world Woodworking amulet accessory making experience tour💍 Using the abundant wood of Morotsuka Village, you can make your own woodworking accessories by hand ✨ The completed work is prayed by the deputy priest of Kinji Temple. Your very own "talismanic accessory" will be completed! 📅 Held in: Saturday, September 27, Sunday, October 5, 10:00-15:00 📍 Location: Shiitake Pavilion 👥 Capacity: 10 people (minimum 5 people) 💰 Participation fee: 3,000 yen (*Ingredients fee not included) 👕 What to bring: Work gloves, towel, apron (if you are concerned about wood chips), drinks, Parts cost (2) Autumn Yama School Platto Yuzu Chigiri & Yuzu Gosho Making Experience 🍊 Aroma yuzu is harvested and the versatile seasoning "Yuzu Gosho" that goes well with anything is handmade! Why don't you make Morotsuka's seasoning with your own hands, along with miso? 📅 Held in Date: Saturday, November 22, 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 📍 Location: Shiitake Pavilion 21 👥 Capacity: 10 people (minimum 5 people) 💰 Participation fee: Adult 5,000 yen / Child 4,000 yen 👕 What to bring: Comfortable clothing, water bottle 🌿 Why don't you experience making things while feeling the seasons in Nature? We look 🥰 forward to your participation 📱 For details and applications, please visit the official website of "Enpaku"! * "Himuka no Kuni Enpaku" is an exchange event where you can experience the Nature, history, culture, Gourmet food, and manufacturing of the Northern part of Miyazaki Prefecture.

The 3rd National Mountain Stream Fishing Tournament 🎣 Today (August 23rd) the 3rd National Mountain Stream Fishing Tournament took place 🐟 Despite worries about the weather due to typhoons, the day turned out fine and more than 170 people attended the venue 😊 The event that drew the loudest cheers from many children was the fish-catching game limited to elementary school age and younger Some large cherry trout and eels were included, and while the children were completely absorbed, the surrounding parents were excited too 🔥 In the fishing competition, the person who caught a total of more than 8 kg won the large haul prize and took first place 🏆 The biggest fish measured 28 cm 💡 Thank you to everyone who took part in the fishing tournament 🎣 We hope to care for the river environment so this tournament can continue for many years 🥰

🍂 We are looking for participants for 🍁 the autumn Yama School "Platto" ~Harvesting Summer Vegetables & Handmade Pizza Experience~ Fresh summer vegetables raised in Mr. Shinke's field are harvested with his own hands, Try making pizza using those vegetables! You can enjoy 🍕 savory authentic pizza in a homemade pizza oven that is baked over wood After the harvest experience, it's time ♪ for a delicious lunch Freshly 🍅 baked pizza with freshly picked vegetables for a taste of summer It is recommended for families with children and those who want to get in touch with Nature. Accommodation is also possible for those coming from far away from the day before (Saturday). Why don't you spend a relaxing time in Nature for memories of the end of summer? 📅 Held in date: September 14 (Sun) 10:00~15:00 📍 Meeting place: Shiitake Pavilion 21 🌲 Experience venue: Farmhouse guesthouse "Shinya" 👥 Capacity: Minimum 4 people ~ maximum 10 people each day 💰 Participation Fee: ・Adult: 5,000 yen/person ・Children (3 years old and over): 4,000 yen/person * 500 yen discount for Village residents * Experience fee, guide fee, lunch fee, consumption tax included 🧤 What to bring: Apron (please wear clothes that you can get dirty) 📝 Application deadline: Sunday, September 7 🚶 ♀️ Accompaniment: A tour conductor or local guide will guide you 📲 For application and details, check out "Morotsuka Navi"!

#012 Tsunocho is home to about fifty restaurants and confectioneries. This is the third installment in our gourmet series! Here we introduce a long-established Japanese and Western confectionery shop loved both inside and outside the town. ~Founded in 1950, a taste that recalls Tsunocho~ Kashiho Kikuya Kikuya is a long-standing Japanese and Western confectionery shop founded in 1950 by the family of my childhood friend. It continues to be loved by both local residents and visitors from outside the town. Kikuya makes many well-known sweets. First is the wagashi called “Ichinomiya,” which people associate with Kikuya. The name comes from the town’s representative sightseeing spot, Tsuno Shrine, formally the ichinomiya of Hyūga Province. The moist cake contains white bean paste and cream, combining the best of Japanese and Western tastes. Other confections that remind people of Tsunocho include Tsuno Station, Tsunayahime, and Kinfugu Monaka. Why use names derived from Tsunocho? The owners say they want recipients to think, “This is from Tsunocho,” or “How nostalgic.” Indeed, someone who left the prefecture and receives one of these sweets after years would likely feel nostalgic. Such treats exist in Tsuno. These days, customers come from within the town, from other towns, and even from other prefectures specifically to buy these sweets. In addition to regular items, Kikuya also makes custom birthday cakes featuring character designs. That, too, is one reason the shop remains beloved. Kikuya’s confections are also sold at the station café inside the tourism association office. They make excellent gifts for loved ones or people who have helped you. Hours 9:00–18:00 Sundays 14:00–17:00 Closed Irregular holidays Parking About 10 spaces Phone 0983-25-0127 Address 〒889-1201 4939 Kawakita, Tsunocho, Koyu District, Miyazaki Prefecture (in front of Akagike Residence)

#011 Tourist Spot Feature Part 3✨ Introducing a little-known Tsunocho attraction: Fudo Park!! Fudo Park, on the left side of the hill leading to Tsuno Winery, sits within the precincts of the Fudo Myo-o and is a spot to enjoy cherry blossoms and azaleas in spring. The cherry trees peak from mid-March to early April, drawing visitors from both inside and outside the town for hanami, and a flower festival has been held there in the past. It’s a minor location, but a well-kept local secret!! When I was in kindergarten the park was large enough to hold our sports day. Nearby parking holds about 50 cars, and both the park and the parking lot are free and accessible 24 hours a day. The park has a stairway that leads up to Taki Shrine, a subordinate shrine of Tsuno Shrine, the ichinomiya of Hyūga Province. The enshrined deity is the water god Takaokami no Kami, who is said to grant relief from ear ailments and bring peaceful ears. When you visit Tsunocho, why not stop by once? Access: About a 10-minute drive from tsuno station Nearby building: Nursing home Aijuen Tsuno Winery Address: 11592-1 Kawakita, Tsunocho, Koyu District, Miyazaki Prefecture (address of Aijuen)

Arao City mascot character “Majakki” LINE stickers released!! Arao City mascot character “Majakki” LINE stickers are ready‼ https://line.me/S/sticker/31230300... Majakki Stickers - LINE Stickers | LINE STORE Produced by: Arao City Tourism Association In July 2005, the majaku was selected as Arao City’s official fish. The majaku (anajako), Arao City’s fish, is a shrimp species that lives in tidal flats and has long been loved as a relative of hermit crabs. Born on July 3 (Arao Tidal Flat Day), Majakki is the prince of the majaku world! He appears around Arao to meet many people and promote the wonders of the tidal flats. Majakki works hard to bring smiles to Arao residents and visitors alike! Please enjoy these Majakki LINE stickers, featuring phrases in the Kumamoto Arao dialect‼ https://line.me/S/sticker/31230300...

Stamp Rally Touring Kumamoto’s World Heritage Sites! Collect stamps completed by visiting Misumi West Port, Manda Pit, Sakitsu Village, and more, and receive a clear file‼ To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the inscription of the World Cultural Heritage Sites “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution,” we are holding a stamp rally that visits the World Heritage sites and component properties within Kumamoto Prefecture. Visit Manda Pit and Misumi West Port, component properties of the World Cultural Heritage Site “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution,” and Sakitsu Village, a component property of the “Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region and Amakusa,” and tour Kumamoto City to fully discover the charms of Kumamoto! Collect all the stamps to receive exclusive World Heritage goods. Please see below for details. Event Period From Saturday, July 19, 2025 to Sunday, December 28, 2025 Opening Hours and Closed Days for Each Facility Manda Mine Station: 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed: Mondays (if a Monday is a public holiday, closed the following weekday) Misumi-West Port Urashima-ya: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed: none Sakitsu Village Guidance Center: 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Closed days during the event period: none Stamp Locations (5 spots in total) Manda Mine Station (Arao City) Misumi-West Port Urashima-ya (Uki City) Sakitsu Village Guidance Center (Amakusa City) Waiting Room on the Shinkansen Platform Side at kumamoto station (Kumamoto City) Sakura Machi Kumamoto, 2nd Floor Concourse (Kumamoto City) ‼Those who complete the rally will receive exclusive World Heritage goods‼ If you collect all the stamps, please show the completed design to staff at one of the facilities below. You will receive exclusive World Heritage goods. Locations to Receive Limited Goods • Manda Mine Station • JR Misumi Station Tourist Information Center (note: different from the stamp location) • Sakitsu Village Guidance Center Participation Fee Free Inquiries Regional Development Division, Tourism and Cultural Exchange Division, World Heritage and Cultural Exchange Office Phone 0968-63-1274

【👒Summer in Gokase 2025 Photo Submissions — Spotlight 1👒】 We are featuring photos submitted to the "#Summer in Gokase 2025" contest currently running on the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account! @goto0619 @niidome2110 @sakai_0808 Thank you for your submissions 😆✨ We are still accepting entries!! How to enter (Submission period — through September 15) Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account (@gokase_kanko) and post with the hashtags "#Summer in Gokase 2025" and "#Gokase" 📸 We look forward to your entries 🙇‍♀️✨

#010 Long time no post!! Today I’ll introduce Tsuno Town’s fireworks display and river festival, held on Friday, August 22. Tsuno Citizens’ Fireworks Display Organized by the Tsuno Citizens’ Fireworks Display Executive Committee, this show launches from rice fields where the harvest is finished. No specific viewing areas are designated, so many watch from the concurrently held river festival site, while others enjoy clear views from farther away. The fireworks look different depending on where you watch, and about 3,000 shells will light up the night sky over Tsuno. The highlight is that you can look down on the fireworks from the hillside parking lot of Tsuno Winery. Why not come for a fireworks experience you can’t usually have? Date: Friday, August 22, 2025 Time: From 8:00 PM TEL: 0983-25-5501 (Tsuno Winery) If it rains, the event will be postponed to Sunday, August 24. Tsuno Town River Festival Held at the same time as the Tsuno Citizens’ Fireworks Display, this river festival is organized by the Tsuno Chamber of Commerce and Industry Youth Division. Food stalls line the Tsuno River Fureai Street beside Tono Shrine, and the event features plenty of fun stage programs for children. Date: Friday, August 22, 2025 Time: 3:00 PM–9:00 PM TEL: 0983-25-0200 (Tsuno Chamber of Commerce and Industry) Parking: Please use Roadside Station Tsuno. On the day of the event, Tsuno Winery and the area around Tono Shrine are expected to be crowded with cars and visitors from about one hour before the fireworks launch. Please take care when you come.

A Long-Awaited Hike up Mt. Shiraiwa 👟 From the 13th to the 17th, the town road Hon’yashiki–Hagisen reopened to regular vehicles, so I left my car at Gokasecho Highland Ski Area’s Ski Center and hiked up Mt. Shiraiwa 💪 Because the management road up to the ski area still prohibits ordinary cars, I first headed on foot for the Gobobatake trailhead ✨ About 30 minutes after starting, I reached the Gobobatake trailhead 💡 From there I set off on my long-awaited hike up Mt. Shiraiwa 😊 The trail was rough at first, but it was generally easy to walk and the cool weather made the climb comfortable ✨ At the summit I exchanged valuable information and learned about conditions on nearby peaks 👍 The photos show an asagi-madara butterfly and alpine wildflowers I encountered along the way 🥰 It felt great to hike Mt. Shiraiwa again and it was a refreshing experience 😆

The deep green of Usa Jingu Shrine, which symbolizes "summer in Japan". In the sunlight shining through the trees, I captured the moment when my father passed through the vermilion Torii (shrine gate). This Torii (shrine gate) is the boundary between the sacred and the mundane, a symbol of purification and vitality.   Usa Jingu Shrine, the Main Shrine of the Hachiman faith, is a sacred place where my ancestors, the Karashima clan, especially Katsuotome Karashima, were deeply involved in its founding. The image of the father passing through the Torii (shrine gate) gate symbolizes the way in which the lineage and faith are passed down from generation to generation, following in the footsteps of distant ancestors.   This trip was a powerful and healing experience for me, like a large tree taking root in my heart. I was touched by the vitality of Usa Jingu Shrine in summer and the history of my ancestors, and I realized that my Roux is deeply rooted in this Great Earth. This is more than just a summer scene, it is a piece that conveys an ancient bond and inner peace.

The 32nd Sugao Stone Buddha Fire Festival ❚ Held on August 24, 2025 The Sugao Stone Buddha Fire Festival takes place at Sugao Stone Buddha Plaza in Mie Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. The rooster-crowing imitation contest, inspired by a local legend, is a delightfully fun event where participants perform rooster calls while wearing handmade costumes (of course, costumes are optional) or delivering unique acts. Smiles fill the venue. Date and Time: Sunday, August 24, 2025 Location: Sugao Stone Buddha Plaza (Mie Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture) Parking is in front of Sugao Elementary School’s pool. A free shuttle taxi runs between the parking area and the venue. Event Schedule 15:00 Shinto rituals and Buddhist ceremonies 15:10 Welcoming the demon 15:20 Opening ceremony and mochi-throwing 15:30 Toyuyukai taiko drumming 16:00 Rooster-crowing imitation contest 17:00 Torch throwing 18:00 Matsuo kagura performance 20:00 End ▶ Rooster-Crowing Imitation Contest — Participants Wanted Participation fee: Free (participation prizes available) Application deadline: Thursday, August 21, 2025 Prize money: 1st place 30,000 yen, 2nd place 20,000 yen, 3rd place 10,000 yen Additional prize: Roadside Station Mie gift certificates Apply via the Sugao Regional Promotion Council Organizer / Contact Sugao Regional Promotion Council ❚ About the Sugao Stone Buddha Fire Festival Local residents organize the festival to boost community revitalization and promote awareness of the Sugao cliff-carved stone Buddhas. The rooster-crowing imitation contest is based on a local legend. According to the tale, a troublesome demon settled in the area and demanded, "Give me the village maiden as a bride!" The troubled village headman consulted a monk, who told the demon, "If you carve five stone Buddhas on the cliff in one night, I will give you the maiden as a bride; if you cannot, you must leave the village." Worried villagers checked at night and found the demon carving the fifth statue. They had the village’s rooster-call master imitate a rooster, and the demon mistook the sound for dawn and fled. ■■■ Access to Bungoono City central area ■■■ About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing tourism and recommended spots in Kyushu’s Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ https://sato-no-tabi.jp/news/20250813event-mie/...

Hello everyone! How are you spending the three-day weekend? This July in Reihoku Town was blessed not only with the Jatto Festival and the dragon boat (Pearlong) races, but also with events like the Sunset Marche 🥬 and the Beauty and Healing Yorimichi Marche 🌿✨ (Photo shows the Beauty and Healing Yorimichi Marche) The next Sunset Marche is scheduled for September 14th❗️ The Beauty and Healing Yorimichi Marche will appear in Oyano on August 23rd and at A-Coop Reihoku on August 28th🎉 For details, check @cross_link2025👀 The hot days continue, so please take care of your health 🥹 We will keep bringing you Reihoku Town’s tourism and event information through the second half of this year 😤 #reihoku #amakusa #kumamoto #Reihoku #Amakusa #Kumamoto #tourism #marche #event #beauty #day trip spots #Yorimichi Marche #Reihoku Sunset Marche

✨A Three-Day Holiday Packed with Events✨ The three-day holiday starts tomorrow 😁 Gokasecho is full of events 🎆 "Yaki Happy Fest" 🎤 Set in a hall styled after the Gokase Winery, this festival brings together delicious food, wine, and live music! Celebrating the connection between Osaka and Gokase, the excitement begins with a pre-festival night. Come enjoy a relaxed, joyful time amid Gokase’s rich nature and a refreshing breeze. Date and Time Pre-festival: Friday, August 8, 2025, 5:00 PM–9:00 PM Main festival: Saturday, August 9, 2025, 11:00 AM–5:00 PM Location Hall styled after Gokase Winery "Gokase Festival" 🎆 An annual celebration that colors the summer in Gokasecho! Held in the Gokase Town Hall parking area, the festival draws large crowds with food stalls, stage events, and more. The finale lights up the night sky with fireworks. Let’s enjoy a summer evening in Gokase together! Date and Time Sunday, August 10, 2025, 3:00 PM–8:00 PM (fireworks start at 8:00 PM) Location Visitor parking lot at Gokase Town Hall "Tenohira Gion Market" 👐 A heartwarming handmade market born from the idea that you can make a living doing what you love, even in the countryside. Set around Gion Shrine, more than 20 unique stalls will offer handmade goods and tasty food. This year, artists who regularly sell at Kyoto’s "Hyakumanben Handmade Market" will make a special appearance! Come to Gokase’s natural setting and find pieces that make your heart flutter. Note: The venue may change in case of rain. Date and Time Monday, August 11, 2025 (public holiday), 9:00 AM–3:00 PM (postponed to August 12 in case of rain) Location Gion Shrine (Kuraoka, Gokasecho)

Kagura Hall Performances August–November Kagura Hall is a facility in Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. It regularly hosts public kagura performances. Here are the public performance dates from August through November. Location: Kagura Hall (810 Sunada, Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City) Admission: Adults ¥1,000, children up to junior high ¥500 (both ¥500 extra on the day) *Tickets are available by advance reservation or on the day of the event. Contact: Kagura Hall, Tel 0974-35-2372 ❚ August Public Performance Date and Time: Sunday, August 17, 2025, 12:30–15:30 Performers: Asakusa-style Matsuo Kagura; Takenoura Kagura Preservation Society Reservations Start: From June 17, 2025 ❚ September Public Performance Date and Time: Sunday, September 21, 2025, 12:30–15:30 Performers: Asakusa-style Osako Kagura; Asono Kaguraza Reservations Start: From July 21, 2025 ❚ October Public Performance Date and Time: Sunday, October 19, 2025, 12:30–15:30 Performers: Asakusa–Inuyama Kagura Company; Shonaihara Kagura Preservation Society Reservations Start: From August 19, 2025 ❚ November Public Performance Date and Time: Sunday, November 16, 2025, 12:30–15:30 Performers: Ontake Kagura Reservations Start: From September 16, 2025 https://sato-no-tabi.jp/news/20250808event-kiyokawa/...

Harajiri Falls Boat Tour ❚ Held August 13–17, 2025 Would you like to cruise the plunge pool of Harajiri Falls in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, on a raft boat? You can experience Harajiri Falls with your whole body. Enjoy the breathtaking views you can only see from such close range. Date and Time Wednesday, August 13, 2025 to Sunday, August 17, 2025 Daily from 10:00 to 16:00 (tours every 30 minutes) Location Harajiri Falls (410 Harajiri, Ogata-machi, Bungoono City) ▶ Meeting time / Please arrive at the top of the stairs leading down to the falls 30 minutes before your reservation. Price 3,500 yen per person Eligibility Ages 3 and up (preschool children must be accompanied by a guardian) What to Bring Shoes that can get wet, a towel, and a change of clothes Other Information The event may be canceled due to weather or rising river levels. If there is availability on the day, walk-ins are welcome without a reservation. We also accept bookings outside the event period at any time (please check the registration form above for details). Event Inquiries Bevrep Co., Ltd. Bungoono Sales Office × Southwave (Contact: Ono) Phone 090-6896-5296 https://sato-no-tabi.jp/news/20250806event-ogata/...

River SUP Experience Would you like to try SUP on a river? It’s completely different from regular SUP—the thrill of riding downstream is unbeatable. You don’t just float on the water; you ride the current and glide along, creating an exceptional sense of oneness with nature. It’s a slightly adventurous riverside outing perfect for families and friends. We run tours every day during the Obon period. Enjoy a river activity that’s perfect for summer. ■Open to elementary school students and up! ■Beginners are welcome—experienced guides provide thorough support for peace of mind! [Tour Dates] Tuesday, August 12th to Saturday, August 16th, 2025; Sunday, September 7th and Saturday, September 20th [Location] Onogawa River (Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture) [Meeting Point] Onogawa River Club Inukai Base (Inukai Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, near Onogawa River Park) [Duration] About 3 hours (9:30–12:00, 13:30–16:00) ■■ Oita River Club For fees and reservations, please check the Oita River Club (Rivaclu) website for details. ■■■ Access to central Bungoono City ■■■ About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Tourism and recommended spots in Kyushu, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ https://sato-no-tabi.jp/news/20250804spot-inukai/...

We will hold the 2nd “Amakusa Reihoku Literary Walk” tourism route creation workshop🎊 On Thursday, August 21, from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM, the Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association will host the 2nd “Amakusa Reihoku Literary Walk” tourism route creation workshop♪ Based on feedback from the first session, we will consolidate and refine the tourism walking route into a single plan! It’s perfectly fine to join for the first time, so if you’re interested in tourism guiding or community development, please join us✨ Date and time: Thursday, August 21, 1:30 PM–3:30 PM Venue: Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association, 2nd floor (4535-1 Kamitsufukae, Reihoku, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture) 👉To register, go to the Notices section on the homepage in our profile👀 Registration deadline: Friday, August 15 Contact: Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association, Ogata ☎ 0969-31-1136 *This workshop is held as part of the FY2025 Kumamoto Future Creation Startup Subsidy project.*

🍂 Autumn Yama School Platto Recruiting 🍁 Participants 🌰 ~ Get ahead of the taste of autumn! Chestnut picking experience~ 🌰 If you step on the chestnuts of the mussel moth with your shoes, the shiny chestnuts will appear. Grab it with fire shears and pop it in the basket! There is no doubt that you will be hooked on the series of streams! Why don't you enjoy chestnut picking while touching the Nature of autumn? 🍱 Lunch comes with ♪ "Donko-tei special noodle bento" 📅 Held in Sunday, September 7 9:00~15:00 📍 Meeting place: Shiitake Pavilion 21 🌲 Experience venue: Forest kominka "Sakura no Tsubone" 👥 Capacity: 4 people (minimum) ~ 10 people (maximum) each day 💰Fee: ・ Adult 5,000 yen / person ・Children (3 years old and over): 4,000 yen/person * 500 yen discount for Village residents * Experience fee, guide fee, lunch fee, consumption tax included 📝 Application deadline: Sunday, August 31 🚶 Accompaniment: You will be accompanied by a tour conductor or a local guide 🧤 What to bring and what to wear ・Work gloves ・Towels ・Water bottle ・Hats ・Long pants ・Long-sleeved shirt ・ Shoes that are easy to move and can get dirty * For application and details, please check from "Morotsuka Navi". Why don't you spend a day with the taste of autumn and experience that will satisfy your heart and stomach? We look forward to your participation!